Education “reformers” are as thick as overcooked oatmeal these days. It seems as though there is a never ending supply of experts willing to expound on how to fix all there is that is out of whack with the educational system.

While there are issues with the educational system, from the youngest in Kindergarten to the Universities, there is no one solution to any of it.

Teaching, especially when it comes to children, is a complex mix of skill, art, knowledge, and experience.

When the volume goes up relating to overhauling the system, there are some things to look for, not the least of which is where the money is coming from to front the uproar.

Any group that is publicly funded generally is required to report where the funding comes from and where it goes.

Privately funded groups, with some pretty lofty sounding names that usually include the words “American” “Americans for…”, or “The Educational Reform” something or another, aren’t required to give up the source of their funding, or what they do with it. And, they don’t.

Knowing who is providing the money is critical to understanding whatever agenda is being pushed.

There are plenty of agendas floated towards education that may or may not be in the interest of children, but rather would set up a money making enterprise for business, or a move towards a political marker, or political position that an individual would to have.

Schools are not businesses. Businesses aren’t schools. Running either one as though it was the other would be a tragic mistake.

Finding out who is the head of the “expert” organization, where their funding comes from and where it goes, is difficult at times, but absolutely necessary. Follow the money, always follow the money.